RICHARD Horne is convinced this Saturday's derby against Rovers is the biggest in his lifetime.

A stalwart of countless meetings between Hull FC and Hull KR over the years, Horne knows the history of the derby as well as any.

But with never before so much at stake in a game between the pair in the Super League era, the FC stand-off says this week's meeting is the most important since the historic 1980 Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

"This is the biggest derby since 1980 I'm sure. It is massive and it is going to be a great spectacle," Horne told the Mail.

"Everybody is looking forward to it and already there is a big buzz around the city, I can't wait for it."

With three victories this year to Hull, including one in Horne's testimonial game at the KC Stadium, the Black and Whites currently hold the bragging rights.

Hull head into the game on the back of two league defeats, including a heartbreaking loss on Saturday against Leeds Rhinos.

Battling against the odds with 12 men for much of the game, the Black and Whites appeared on course to secure the victory which would have guaranteed a top-four finish and brought a week one trip to Wigan Warriors.

But despite the defeat and regardless of who they are playing, Horne says his side are in confident mood.

The bookmakers appear to agree with many pundits, who have already written off Hull's chances of a second Grand Final appearance.

But the testimonial star says the mood in the Hull camp reminds him of the last time the Black and Whites did go all the way to the Grand Final in 2006.

Horne explained: "We have been underestimated this season and that's maybe because we have been grinding out wins.

"But you do that when you are missing your half-backs and I think it is a credit to the side we won those games with key players missing.

"We ground out wins in 2006 and we made it to the Grand Final with a good mentality then.

"I think we have that sort of 2006 feeling again around the place and we are all positive of what may lie ahead. Hopefully we can take that confidence and produce a good performance."

After six weeks on the sidelines Horne made a welcome return against Leeds. While the half-back showed signs of still being rusty, it was a performance to offer plenty of hope.

Giving an indication of what Hull have lacked in the absence of their first-choice half-backs, the duo's return is of great significance.

For Horne it is a relief to have his groin injury now behind him as he prepares for his first taste of play-off rugby for three years.

"These are the games you want to be involved in. Being back in the play-offs, it is why you play the game," added Horne.

"It is a different mentality to the regular season.

"Everyone is really buzzing about it after not being in the play-offs for the last two years and it is good to be back."